I've shared lots of blogs with you guys and am often asked why, as a realtor, I'm writing about restaurants, local businesses and things that aren't directly tied to the buying and selling of homes.
The answer is pretty simple - it's about building community.
I've built a truly amazing community for myself and my business through my website and social media platforms, and I seriously am obsessed with getting to share about the people and places I love in my real-world community with all of you.
When it's good, I don't want to keep it to myself.
All with the goal that just maybe, you'll shop at a new spot, grab brunch with some of your friends, take a class, support a local artist or venue, and engage with your community in new ways.
So, when I heard about an old friend who was doing some pretty impressive community building of her own, I knew I had to share her work with all of you.
I've known Kate Tucker (who will always be Katie to me, lol) since high school and this girl is one of those personalities that leaves a big impression on you.
It's not surprising she's gone on to do some pretty impactful things in her adult years - she's a singer, songwriter, podcaster, storyteller and community builder.
She left a big one on me and was even the first person I drove after getting my driver's license (clearly, she's a brave soul).
And while she was living in Nashville a few years back, she became involved with Citizen University, an organization that began with a simple idea: what if each of us believed we had the power to make change happen in civic life — and felt a responsibility to try?
Clearly this program was a great fit for Kate, so she took their fellowship course (more on that later) and began not only getting more involved in becoming a changemaker in her community, but helping others connect and do the same.
When Kate moved back to Akron, she knew she wanted to bring these gatherings of shared civic purpose and community building with her. Saturday November 2nd was Akron's fourth "Civic Saturday" - hosted in a renovated church on West Market Street by her friends Joe and Kristy Clark.
This church is now their family home, with some pretty impressive gathering spaces that were just made for an event like this.
As we headed in, on one of these perfect fall Saturdays we've all been enjoying, you could smell coffee and hear friendly voices welcoming everyone.
The kitchen was packed with not only hot coffee and tea, but so many delicious pastries and treats from local vendors.
Nothing makes me feel more welcome than a handmade cinnamon pop tart!
As we got seated, I saw lots of familiar faces - friends and clients alike - filling the seats.
Kate spoke about why we were gathered.
It was truly an opportunity for connection and a great way to meet so many different neighbors of varied generations from all the different pockets of greater Akron.
We listened to songs, poems, and reading on civic duty and how we can truly be the ones to make the changes we want to see.
We heard from Morgan Lasher, the Chief Community Officer of Unity America, as she talked about problem solving in our communities, and the importance of giving everyone a seat at the table.
And to close, we split into small groups of 5-6 people called "Civic Circles" and discussed what we felt our community needed and how we could make that happen.
It was a great way to connect with new people and to truly gain some new perspectives.
There was an assortment of community organizations present offering both opportunities to get involved and resources available, depending on your needs.
What I really loved is that Civic Saturday isn't just something that Kate and her friends are hosting.
The idea is that more people throughout the community can learn to lead these gathering and discussions and bring their neighbors together to share how their communities, big and small, can be impacted by the idea of civic responsibility.
If this sounds like it might be your jam, we have some pretty cool news to share.
Citizen University, which is based in Seattle Washington, is coming to Akron to help you become a better community builder and activist ready to host civically spirited gatherings of your own.
